Who Gets the Super Bowl Trophy

What happens to the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the Super Bowl

After the Super Bowl, the winning team receives the Vince Lombardi Trophy, a gold-plated sterling silver trophy that stays with the organization. The trophy remains in the team’s possession and is usually displayed at the team’s headquarters, museum, or a secure facility. Team executives, ownership, and front-office staff manage long-term stewardship of the trophy as a permanent symbol of the championship.

The design and origins of the Vince Lombardi Trophy

The Vince Lombardi Trophy is a sterling-silver figure of a football player supporting a football. The trophy stands approximately 22 inches tall and is attached to a polished wooden base featuring the names of the winning team and players. It was first awarded in 1967, named for Hall of Fame coach Vince Lombardi. The trophy weighs roughly 7 pounds and is plated with gold, making it a cherished and iconic prize in professional sports.

Key attributes of the Vince Lombardi Trophy

Which individuals and roles touch the trophy

On game day, a select group of people handle the Vince Lombardi Trophy during ceremonies and media moments. Typically, these include the team owner or an owner representative, the head coach, and a small group of players and front-office executives chosen by the team. The presentation usually occurs on the field or in an on-site locker room, and the quarterback is often the first player to hold the trophy after the game. While the league does not mandate exactly who touches the trophy, teams generally include leadership figures and key contributors to symbolize collective achievement.

Ceremonial order and protocol highlights

• League presentation of the trophy to the team owner or designee
• Owner or executive gives the trophy to the head coach
• Coach shares the moment with captains and selected players
• Photographs and short interviews occur on the field or in the locker room
• Team transports the trophy to its permanent display location

How teams care for and display the trophy

Each franchise is responsible for the long-term care of the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Most teams place it in a secure display case near executive offices, in the team museum, or in a climate-controlled room that protects it from damage. Curators, facilities staff, and security teams work together to ensure the trophy is preserved for future seasons and public viewings. The trophy also travels for community appearances, charity events, and promotional tours, but these trips are carefully planned and protected to reduce risk.

What players and coaches do with the trophy

While the Vince Lombardi Trophy belongs to the organization, players and coaches often treat it as a symbol of their careers and team legacy. Many take time to hold, pose with, and speak about the trophy in interviews, using it to highlight the culmination of years of work. Some players personalize their experience by taking commemorative photos with teammates, family, and coaching staff. The trophy also serves as motivation for future seasons, reinforcing the culture and standards required to win at the highest level.

The trophy’s lasting meaning for the franchise and fans

The Vince Lombardi Trophy represents more than a single season; it reflects the sustained excellence of a franchise. For fans, it is a physical reminder of championship history and pride. Teams often reference past trophies when building identity, marketing, and storytelling. The trophy’s presence reinforces legacy, elevates market value, and strengthens the bond between the organization and its supporters. As long as the game is played, the Vince Lombardi Trophy will remain the ultimate symbol of success in professional football.

Key facts at a glance